PVH – owner of the Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger labels – has pledged $10 million to an initiative supporting emerging fashion designers through funding, mentorship, and industry access.

Developed in partnership with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), the Runway Ahead program will provide scholarships to three senior undergraduate or first-year graduate design students, covering one year of study at a US-based college or university.

Recipients will also be able to use historical design archives from PVH and receive ongoing mentorship to help translate creative ideas into commercially viable concepts, with support across design development, brand building, and business strategy.

The initiative extends beyond scholarships through two cornerstone partnerships, including a fellowship program with Harlem’s Fashion Row and its Icon360 platform.

Under the scheme, the designers will receive grants to develop and present their collections, which will debut during New York Fashion Week at the organisation’s Fashion Show and Style Awards.

Steven Kolb, CEO of the CFDA, said the program aims to provide meaningful opportunities for young designers.

“These scholarships are about giving talented students the space to grow, experiment, and define their voice,” said Kolb.

“With the support of the PVH Foundation, we’re helping empower the next generation of designers to approach fashion with both creativity and purpose.”

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